The Bear Facts: May 22, 2014

Have a great summer!

Bear Facts the

VOLUME 17, NO. 5

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THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

www.thebearfacts.net

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

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THE ROAR Osborne, Chastain elected Mr. and Miss St. Joe FAREWELL FROM EDITOR Editor of The Bear Facts, senior Elisabeth Scott, says farewell in an opinion column.

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THE BEAR FACTS NAMED BEST IN STATE

By HOPE ENGLE The Bear Facts Seniors elected Sam Osborne and Anna Claire Chastain to represent St. Joseph Catholic School as Mr. and Miss. St. Joe for the 2013-2014 school year.

The title represents the caring and considerate attitude the two show toward others. It also represents their outgoing personalities and their leadership roles throughout the school.

Most importantly, the title highlights how involved and well-known the two are in the St. Joe community.

Chastain has attended St. Joe since the seventh grade. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society and the retreat team.

She was chosen as Class Favorite and as a member of the Homecoming court for two years.

Chastain also served this year as student body president and captain of the Spirit Steppers.

“It’s such an honor being named Miss St. Joe,” Chastain said. “It’s very humbling because I was voted on by the people I’ve gone to school with almost my whole life. And it means a lot that they chose me.”

Osborne also has attended St. Joe since the seventh grade. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the track team and the retreat team.

Osborne served as captain of the varsity basketball team. He has was in the cast of the 2013 spring musical, “The Music Man” and is a dedicated “Bleacher Creature.”

He also was chosen as Most Athletic in his class.

Matthew Harkey, a St. Joe senior and Osborne’s close friend, See HONORS, page A4

Special to The Bear Facts St. Joe seniors voted to honor Anna Claire Chastain and Sam Osborne as Mr. and Miss St. Joe.

After a long high school career, hundreds of tests, untold hours of homework and a yearbook dedication to history teacher Sue Dickson, the Class of 2014 has said . . .

GOODBYE, ST. JOE St. Joe journalism students take home more than 30 awards.

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SENIORS SELL, DISPLAY ART

St. Joe art students display their artwork at the school’s annual art show in March.

Members of the Class of 2014 pose with longtime St. Joe history teacher Sue Dickson. Seniors voted to dedicate the next edition of The Shield, the school yearbook, to Mrs. Dickson. The 2013-2014 edition of The Shield will be distributed to students early next school year.

Story by Bria Paige, photo by Elise Sheldrick

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‘DIVERGENT’ WORTH A VIEW

Entertainment Editor John Lee writes about what makes “Divergent” the blockbuster it is.

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graduates.

Hours after graduation, St. Joe’s newest alumni celebrated with a senior trip to Six Flags Over Texas. Graduates left the St. Joe campus at about 1 a.m. this morning and are expected to return at about 1a.m. Friday.

“What an impressive group of graduates,” St. Joe Principal Keith Barnes said. “They worked hard for the last several years. Their achievements are amazing. I wish them the best.”

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JACKSON SIGNS WITH TOUGALOO

See SENIORS, page A4

INSIDE n Opinion: A2 n News: A3-A8 n Entertainment: B4 n Bruin Sports: B1-B2

ANNA EDGE VALEDICTORIAN

BAILEY BRILLEY SALUTATORIAN

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RAMSAY FAIRBANK SALUTATORIAN

They liked each other enough to stick together and looked to the correct people to lead the class – which made them better.”

– Linda King, school librarian and chair of English

Paige, Nixon to edit school newspaper, yearbook Greene to manage the Internet streaming sports radio station from staff reports

Senior Dymond Jackson signed to Tougaloo College to play basketball in the fall.

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embers of the St. Joseph Catholic School Class of 2014 – one of the largest in years – woke Wednesday as seniors and ended the day as

Junior Bria Paige has been named editor of The Bear Facts, junior Jean-Nicolette Nixon has been named editor of The Shield and sophomore Noah Greene has been named general manager of Bruin Broadcasting for the next school year.

The appointments were announced and take effect in August. All three students have worked for at least the past year on the staffs of The Bear Facts, the student newspaper; The Shield, the school yearbook; and Bruin Sports Radio, the streaming Internet sports radio station.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to lead the staff of The Bear Facts,” Paige said. “I want

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I am so excited about the opportunity to lead the staff of The Bear Facts.”

– Bria Paige, a junior to build on the success we have experienced the past two years and make our school newspaper an even greater voice of the St. Joe student body.”

As editor of The Bear Facts, Paige will oversee the awardwinning student newspaper

staff, direct news coverage and lead an experienced editing staff. Paige, who will be a senior next year, has BRIA PAIGE played a key role on The Bear Facts the past two years.

Her leadership and hard work are two of the reasons The Bear Facts was named best high school newspaper by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association. Paige also won a first place award for feature writing and a third place for column writing at this year’s MSPA convention.

Joining Paige on The Bear Facts staff will be Greene, who will serve as managing editor; sophomore Jack Hall, who will return as sports editor; junior

Jack Olstad, who will be features editor; sophomore John Lee, who will be entertainment editor; and junior JEAN-NICOLETTE Rachel RedNIXON dix, who will be photo editor.

As editor of The Shield, Nixon, who will be a senior next year, will oversee the school yearbook.

Nixon will be responsible for planning and directing production of the yearbook; this year, she helped edit and design senior yearbook ads.

Nixon’s staff will include freshman Brianna Cry, who will help design the book and take photos, and junior London Hatten, who will serve as photo editor.

“This is a great opportunity to craft a book that will document the school year in photos and text,” NOAH GREENE Nixon said.

“I’ve always wanted to serve as editor of the yearbook; I believe my drive and passion will help us create a yearbook second to none.”

At Bruin Broadcasting, Greene will be responsible for supervising and planning the weekly live Internet radio broadcast of Bruin football games. He also will serve as color analyst on the weekly broadcast and oversee the halftime interview show.

St. Joe streamed all football See EDITORS, page A4

Opinion

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Saying farewell to high school

E

ver since kindergarten, I have always gone to different schools.

St. Joe is the first school that I have gone to for this long.

I remember my freshman year of high school just like it was yesterday. I was so excited to finally be in high school. I knew it was going to be a harder year with more challenges than middle school.

But I was ready.

Freshman year seemed to be the easiest year academically; my challenges fell more in the social area. I slowly thought I was finding my way around as well as finding my friends.

When sophomore year came along, it seemed to me to be the hardest year because I had to take geometry and chemistry at the same time – my two least favorite subjects in high school.

Distracted by the challenges with academics, I was no longer in need to focus totally on my social world. It was not as hard to have friends as it was during my freshman year.

I started to believe that the friends I had then were supposed to be my set friends.

My best friend status started to fluctuate from one girl to another.

The end of my sophomore year came, and my best friend status changed once again. My junior year approached, and I start to look forward to my senior year a little more than I probably should have.

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Junior year was definitely one of my favorite years at St. Joe. It was so much fun and a joyful year.

I was no HALLE longer the ANDERSON baby of the school, but I also was not the oldest. My best friend status was different at this time once again.

I no longer had the same friends I started with during my freshman year. Friends no longer mattered at this point as much as they did the years before. I started to realize how close I was to walking across the gym floor and sitting in the very spot where the seniors sat during morning assembly.

By the end of my junior year, I still couldn’t admit to my mother that she was right in her theory about how my friends will change, how I will grow away from most of my friends and how they will grow away from me.

When my senior year finally came around, I began to think about graduation, college and majors.

From the beginning, my senior year seemed to fly by. My friends changed, my perspective on life changed and everything my mom has ever said that will happen in high school happened.

I had limited myself to basically one or two good

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come at the perfect time.”

Who is better with time than Now my high God? Life goes on further from high school career is school. When you are in high school, it’s a transition time for about to end, and life ahead. It all makes I couldn’t be more your sense as I head toward the end of excited to embark my senior year. I’m supposed to My friends will change. on new challenges change.

My school work will change. and meet new This was a time to learn about myself and the things for which people.”

I stand.

My life has been consumed with high school these last four friends. It almost seemed routine years – as if I would never leave high school and my day of being for anyone who goes through a senior would never come. high school to do the same. It Now my high school career is seemed like it was supposed to about to end, and I couldn’t be happen my whole high school more excited to embark on new career, like it was meant to be. challenges and meet new people.

Everyone that I thought I Maybe I’ll even get to find my would be friends with forever new “best friend” status. slowly drifted away from me In ninth grade, I could barely and became just associates of imagine the day I would walk whom I will have memories. across the gym to the other side Don’t get me wrong; this is and sit in the senior section for not a bad thing. It just simply morning assembly. happens. My mom reassured Yet again, with God’s help, me of this when I would come home with tears on my face and I walked across the stage on Wednesday night to encounter feeling like I didn’t have any another exciting side – this time friends or anyone consistently being a St. Joe graduate of 2014. being there for me.

Goodbye, St. Joe. My mom told me how I enjoyed my high school sometimes you have those lucky people who find their best friend experience here. But, just like the first day of school, who they any other senior, it’s time I look to new adventures. are friends with through high school and sometimes beyond.

Halle Anderson, a senior at St. “That’s great for them,” she Joe, has served the past year as said smiling. “Then you have special people like you that God Opinion Page editor of The Bear Facts. is holding your best friend to

College-bound and ready

s the school year comes to a close and students, faculty and staff get ready for summer, it has finally sunk in for the seniors that these will be the final days for uniforms, school Masses, morning assemblies, service projects, religion classes and many other events special to St. Joe. We will soon leave this community to embark on a new world outside of detentions, uniform checks and tardies.

But in leaving St. Joe, we leave a school that has fostered our spirituality, educated our minds and built lasting friendships.

Spending six years here, I have made many memories. I remember my first day at St. Joe in the seventh grade. We came for orientation, and I was so nervous.

I only knew three other girls

who would be here.

The three of us were coming from Madison Middle School, and we did not ELISABETH SCOTT know what to expect.

Coming into a new community at a new school was scary.

I realized that the majority of the students in seventh grade already knew each other because they were coming from St. Richard Catholic School.

But a few students, like myself, came from public school, St. Terese, or Holy Child.

With a great number of the seventh grade class previously having formed relationships and

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new home.

As I met new people throughout the year, I became Just like it involved in clubs and other was when we first extracurricular activities at St. Joe. The friends I made in entered a new middle school are still my core community at group of friends.

Just like it was when we St. Joe in middle first entered a new community school, I, along at St. Joe in middle school, I, with my fellow along with my fellow seniors, about to venture into a new seniors, are about are community outside of St. Joe. to venture into a We will go to a new place where we don’t know many new community people and where we will start outside St. Joe. fresh.

College can be scary, but there is a place for everyone. The best established friendships, I didn’t way to find your place is to get know where I would fit in or if I involved in what you like to do would be able to find my place. and meet new people.

As the day went on, we split into homerooms and followed Elizabeth Scott, a senior at St. our schedule. Everyone I met Joe, has served the past year as was so nice and welcoming. editor of The Bear Facts.

St. Joe started to feel like my

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Our View

Annual events for the Joe

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t. Joe is a very talented school.

The spring play and spring concert were both a huge success as always.

We are so excited for all of the future productions at St. Joe. We can’t wait to see what changes the students will make in the future.

Not only will their parents will be proud, but we know the St. Joe faculty will be happy to have been a part of their lives.

Prom for the juniors and seniors and a few sophomores was very successful. Everyone had a great time and looked absolutely amazing at prom.

Prom was as successful as it was because our own student council worked on this important annual event.

The junior class raised money for prom, and the junior class officers, along with parents and faculty, did a great job decorating the venue and making prom the best it could be.

Prom wasn’t the only recent big event.

Dance Marathon, in its fourth year, was phenomenal as always.

Dance Marathon, an annual event that began at St. Joe in 2011, raised more than $6,000 to go to the only children’s hospital in Mississippi.

We are so proud of the students who played important leadership roles to support and coordinate these events. The Dance Marathon is truly a great fund raiser because you have so much fun raising money for such sweet girls and boys.

Graduation is one of the last major events of the school year. We will say goodbye to the wonderful Class of 2014. A very enthusiastic and energetic class, the Class of 2014 will truly be missed. Good luck in the future to all the graduates.

This was a very successful school year, and we can only look forward to another great year at St. Joe.

BEAR FACTS The

Bria Paige Editor Noah Greene Managing Editor Halle Anderson Opinion Page Editor

Student Views

The Bear Facts staff members Whitley Panell and Jaela Hefner asked St. Joseph students what they will miss about St. Joe. This is what they said.

“The student body.”

– Jack Hoffman, a senior

“The teachers.”

– Nickalas Sims, a junior

“Mrs. Walberg.”

-Will Walenta, a freshman

“ The unity.”

– Meosha Smith, a senior

“The teachers like Mrs. Peaglar and Mr. Machado.”

– Josh Clayton, a sophomore

“Mrs. Mitchell.”

-Katie Joseph, an eighth-grader

Terry R. Cassreino, Faculty Adviser Keith Barnes, Principal Michael Juhas, President The Bear Facts, the official student newspaper of St. Joseph Catholic School, is published at least once each quarter of the school year. This newspaper is devoted to the interests of the student body, faculty, parents, alumni and community of St. Joseph. This paper’s purpose is to reflect the spirit of St. Joseph Catholic School, keep the school community informed and help promote the school’s Christian values.

All stories and photographs are copyright © 2014 by The Bear Facts and St. Joseph Catholic School. Reproduction and unauthorized use of any article, photograph or graphic in this newspaper is prohibited without explicit written consent in advance. Contact The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927.

Unless otherwise noted, opinions expressed on this page belong solely to the author or authors and do not necessarily represent the beliefs and opinions of the staff of The Bear Facts; the staff, leadership and administration of St. Joseph Catholic School; or the staff, leadership and administration of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.

If you disagree with any columnists’ opinions or want to share your own views, we invite you to submit a letter to the editor.

Letters should be no more than 300 words. The Bear Facts reserves the right to edit letters for clarity. Send your letter by email to thebearfacts@stjoebruins.com. Or mail them to: Letters to the Editor, The Bear Facts, P.O. Box 2027, Madison, MS 39130-2927

Bruin News

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

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St. Joe dominates journalism awards Sophomore Jack Hall named Sports Writer of the Year; The Bear Facts repeats as Best Newspaper From staff reports OXFORD – St. Joseph Catholic School student Jack Hall was named high school sports writer of the year, teacher Terry Cassreino was named newspaper adviser of the year and The Bear Facts was named best high school newspaper at the 2014 high school press convention.

St. Joseph Catholic School also took home 33 other Mississippi Scholastic Press Association awards for The Bear Facts; The Shield, the school yearbook; and The Josephian, the school literary magazine.

The awards included 16 firstplace finishes in competition against 1A-3A schools statewide.

“What an accomplishment,” St. Joe Principal Keith Barnes said.

“These awards show what happens when you combine talented, hard-working students with a teacher who can identify their talent and pushes them to do and achieve the best they can. I’m

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We believe in a strong high school media program, and we seek to strive for excellence in everything we do.”

– Mike Juhas, St. Joseph Catholic School president

proud of our students’ accomplishments.”

“If you like to write, if you are interested in journalism, if you want to learn how to tell stories using broadcast, print and multimedia elements, then St. Joe is the place to be,” said President Mike Juhas. “We believe in a

strong high school student media program, and we seek to strive for excellence in everything we do. These results underline that.”

St. Joseph Catholic School, located in Madison just off Interstate 55 and Mississippi 463, offers seventh through 12th grade Catholic education with a rigorous college prep curriculum grounded in the teachings of the church. St. Joe is accredited by the Mississippi Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school, founded in 1870, serves students in the Greater Jackson area.

The journalism awards capped a full day for more than 600 high school students from 39 schools statewide who attended the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association convention at Ole Miss.

Students, including a 14-member delegation from St. Joe, attended sessions designed to improve high school publications.

For the two statewide awards – the Orley Hood Sports Writer

Special to The Bear Facts St. Joe journalism students attend the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association Convention this month. Back row from left: Charles King, Jon Dale Dieckman, Benjamin Payne and Jack Olstad.

Second row: Jack Hall, Noah Greene, London Hatten, Jaela Hefner, Rachel Reddix, Mia Nichols, Bria Paige and Elise Sheldrick. Front row: Whitley Pannell and Katherine Mangialardi.

of the Year and Joanne Sellers Newspaper Adviser of the Year – the winners, Hall and Cassreino, were chosen from students and faculty at all high schools across the state regardless of size.

Hall, sports editor of The Bear Facts, received an award named in honor of the late Orley Hood, a

longtime, award-winning writer and columnist for The ClarionLedger.

Hall was recognized Wednesday, May 14, at an event scheduled for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum – where he received a plaque.

Cassreino, in his third year at

St. Joe and second year leading the journalism program, began teaching after spending more than 28 years as a political reporter, political columnist and editor at Mississippi newspapers.

Cassreino teaches high school journalism and eighth grade English classes.

Bruins have best showing ever at journalism convention Flip Godfrey’s resignation.

Best Sports Writing  Third Place: Mia Nichols  First Place: The Bear Facts for her October 2013 story about Homecoming.

Best Opinion Writing  First Place: The Bear Facts Depth Reporting  First Place: Nathan Gieb, Best Adverting Design  First Place: The Bear Facts Elisabeth Scott, Maggie Smith for stories and photos from the 2013 March for Life. The stoBest Print Design  First Place: The Bear Facts ries and photos appeared in the March 2013 edition of the newspaper.

THE BEAR FACTS STUDENT AWARDS Feature Writing St. Joe students competed  First Place: Bria Paige for Best Newspaper against students from small  First Place: The Bear Facts schools, Division 1A-3A, in Mis- her April 2013 story previewing “The Music Man.” sissippi.

Best News Writing Editorial Column  First Place: The Bear Facts News Writing  Second Place: Elisabeth  First Place: Noah Greene Best Feature Writing for his December 2013 story Scott for her November 2013  First Place: The Bear Facts about former Athletic Director column on the value of student overseas travel.  Honorable Mention: Whitley Pannell for her November 2013 column on the government’s inability to conduct business.

Hall of Fame and Museum. His name appears on a plaque that will be on permanent display at OXFORD – Here is a list of the museum. all awards St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Joe students reJoanne Sellers Newspaper ceived at the 2014 Mississippi Adviser of the Year Scholastic Press Association  Terry R. Cassreino Convention.

THE BEAR FACTS STATEWIDE AWARDS STAFF AWARDS St. Joe competed against all St. Joe competed against schools across the state regard- small schools, Division 1A-3A, less of size. in Mississippi.

From staff reports

The First Orley Hood Sports Writer of the Year (named after the late Orley Hood, a longtime, popular sports columnist at The Clarion-Ledger)  Jack Hall. Jack was honored at a program Wednesday, May 14, at the Mississippi Sports

General Column  First Place: Halle Anderson for her October 2013 column about her sister at St. Joe.  Third Place: Bria Paige for her March 2013 column on her tour of civil rights landmarks.

Sports Writing  First Place: Noah Greene for his October 2013 sports analysis on Bruin football.  Second Place: Jon Dale Dieckman for his October 2013 story on the Bruin swim team.

KENT’S KAJUN KITCHEN 119 COLONY CROSSING WAY MADISON, MS

Reviews Sports Feature  Honorable Mention: Noah  First Place: Benjamin Payne for his November 2013 Greene for his October 2013 refeature on athletes’ superstitions. view of “The Hunger Games:  Second Place: Jack Olstad Catching Fire.” for his December 2013 story on Page Design senior basketball players Sam  Honorable Mention: ElisOsborne and Matthew Harkey. abeth Scott.

Sports Columns  First Place: Jack Hall for his May 2013 column on St. Joe THE JOSEPHIAN track star Ryan Crandall LITERARY MAGAZINE  Second Place: Jack Hall STUDENT AWARDS for his December 2014 column St. Joe students competed about the resignation of Athletic against small schools, Division Director Flip Godfrey.  Third Place: Jack Hall for 1A-3A, in Mississippi. Our comhis October 2013 column about petition included such schools as St. Andrew’s, Jackson Academy Bruin football. and Canton Academy.

Sports Photos Magazine Illustration  First Place: Elisabeth Scott  Honorable Mention: Mary for her October 2013 photo of Bruin swimmer Walker Burrow. Regan Baladi  Second Place: Benjamin Short Fiction Payne for a photo in the October  Second Place: Shannon 2013 edition of Bruin football Harkins for her story “A Fairy running back Hunter Beene.

Tale.”

News/Feature Photo  Second Place: Jon Dale Dieckman for his November THE SHIELD 2013 front-page photo of Chuck STAFF AWARDS Dorian kidding a bronze giraffe St. Joe competed against – part of a story looking at supersmall schools, Division 1A-3A, stitions and athletics.  Third Place: Sara Powell in Mississippi. for her April 2013 photo from Best Table of Contents “The Music Man” rehearsals.  First Place: The Shield Entertainment Writing Best Sports Photos  Third Place: Jack Olstad  Third Place: The Shield for his December 2013 entertainment column on Christmas films.

Special to The Bear Facts

St. Joe sophomore Jack Hall accepts the first Orley Hood Sports Writer of the Year during a special awards program at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on Wednesday, May 14. Standing next to Hall is Rick Cleveland, executive director of the museum and former sports editor of The Clarion-Ledger.

THE BEAR FACTS wishes everyone a safe summer

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HONORS, from page A1 said he was glad seniors chose Osborne: “It fits him well. Everyone knows Sam Osborne.”

Chastain and Osborne plan to attend Mississippi State University this fall. They said they will miss their class next year – one of the closest to go through St. Joe.

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I wouldn’t be here without everyone else extending hand to he me out whenever I needed it.”

– Sam Osborne Chastain said she will miss hanging out in the hallways and seeing everyone. Osborne said he will miss the students.

“I wouldn’t be here without everyone else extending a hand to help me out whenever I needed it,” he said. “And I am also going to miss Mama Jean, the beautiful campus and the administration.”

Bruin News

MEET SAM OSBORNE

Sam Osborne, elected Mr. St. Joe, has attended St. Joe since the seventh grade. n Favorite Color: Blue n Favorite Movie: “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” n Favorite Food: Mac and Cheese n Hobbies: Basketball and track n College attending in the fall of 2014: Mississippi State University

MEET ANNA CLAIRE CHASTAIN

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

St. Joe’s Holy Week Mass

Anna Claire Chastain, elected Miss St. Joe, has attended St. Joe since the seventh grade. n Favorite Color: White n Favorite Movie: “Hairspray” or “Warrior” n Favorite Food: Chicken dumplings and tiramisu n Hobbies: Spirit Steppers and dancing at Ballet Mississippi n College attending in the fall of 2014: Mississippi State University

Special to The Bear Facts St. Joe students celebrated Holy Week with a Mass. Senior Bailey Brilley gives a blessing to eighth grader Jamarcus Sutton during Mass. Brilley and other seniors attended their final school-sponsored Mass on Tuesday with the Baccalaureate Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Madison.

SENIORS, from page A1 Graduation ceremonies and the senior trip marked the end of a journey for St. Joe’s senior class – a journey that for many began six years ago when they became a Bruin in the seventh grade.

This year featured many milestones for the class.

Among them were this week’s graduation activities, the final St. Joe prom last month and an announcement last week that the class will dedicate the yearbook to longtime world history teacher Sue Dickson.

Mrs. Dickson was surprised by the announcement, which was made during the senior class’ final morning assembly on Monday, May 12.

Seniors, though, said she deserved the honor.

“Mrs. Dickson is our favorite teacher,” said Anna Claire Chastain. “She encouraged us to have school spirit when we were in 10th grade. She helped make us into the class we are.”

Mrs. Dickson was chosen for the dedication after the senior

“

Mrs. Dickson is our favorite teacher. She encouraged us to have school spirit when we were in 10th grade. She helped make us into the class we are.”

– Anna Claire Chastain

class cast ballots. The yearbook is expected to be published and distributed this fall after the start of the new school year.

Besides dedicating the yearbook, seniors also were faced with a decision where they will attend college next year.

National College Decision Day, officially May 2, was the

first time for many seniors that the beginning of their college journey was no longer surreal.

A total of 87 graduating seniors will disperse around the state and country, attending a wide variety of prestigious colleges and universities.

The majority of the members of the senior class already has decided where to attend college in the fall.

For the first time in a couple of years, more graduating seniors plan to attend Mississippi State University than the University of Mississippi.

A total of 36 students plan to attend Mississippi State, while 17 plan to attend the University of Mississippi.

Although many call Mississippi home, 12 seniors plan to spend their college career outside of the state.

One of those is Bailey Brilley, who will attend Washington and Lee University – a private liberal arts college in Lexington,Va. Brilley received numerous

scholarship offers from various colleges that amounted to $539,000 before he made his final decision.

“I’m excited to go to college out of Mississippi because of the diverse range of people I’ll be in school with,” Brilley said.

Brilley and Ramsay Fairbanks served salutatorians for the Class of 2014. Anna Edge served

as valedictorian of the class, giving the main speech during graduation exercises Wednesday night at the Jackson Convention Complex.

Linda King, who serves as the school librarian and also teaches AP Literature and Composition, said the Class of 2014 was a “very cohesive class.”

“They liked each other enough

to stick together and looked to the correct people to lead the class – which made them better,” she said.

The senior class also has had a profound effect on underclassmen at St. Joe. “They were some of the most creative and funniest people I’ve ever met,” said Avery Pogreba, a junior.

EDITORS, from page A1 games live on the Internet for the first time last fall.

Greene played a key role in those first Internet radio broadcasts, serving as color analyst for the three-man broadcast team and working on home and away game broadcasts.

St. Joe is the only high school in metropolitan Jackson in which students broadcast football games live on the Internet.

“Our Internet streaming radio

broadcasts were wildly successful during our first year,” Greene said. “I can’t wait to build on our success next fall.”

Terry R. Cassreino, the journalism teacher who oversees student media, said St. Joe is fortunate to have dedicated, talented students intent on informing the school community through the newspaper, yearbook and broadcasting.

Paige, Nixon and Greene are

effective leaders who will do a great job, he said.

“I am proud to be associated with such a great group of high school journalists,” Mr. Cassreino said.

“Our newspaper, yearbook and broadcast staffs are talented and hard-working. I have complete faith they will continue to improve our efforts to keep students, faculty, staff and alumni informed.”

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER: FROM THE BEAR FACTS

Middle School

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Eighth graders eye Youth Legislature

PAGE A5

Successful stint at Junior Youth Assembly whets appetite for more

By GRANT MURPHY The Bear Facts

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bly – a similar program designed for seventh, eighth and ninth I was graders.

Beads of sweat dripped from The program serves as a great his brow as he heard his proposal overjoyed to hear introduction to the annual fall called up for debate. all my hard work Youth Legislature.

He was seconds away from Eighth graders who attended having to talk in front of a large and dedication the spring conference will have group of other students. And he paid off.” an opportunity to sign up in the was nervous. fall for the high school version of Every year, St. Joseph Cathothe program in November. lic School students attend the For Junior Youth Assembly, 24 Mississippi Youth & Governeighth graders attended the threement Youth Legislature in the day program at the Marriott and fall – a mock legislature in which – Anna Baladi, the old Capitol in downtown students write, debate and vote eighth grade Jackson. The program started on proposed laws.

Thursday, April 3, and ended SatThis year, eighth graders had a urday, April 5. chance to participate. This year, When students arrived at the St. Joe participated for the first hotel, they received a name time in the Junior Youth Assemtag with their name and stating whether they were serving in the House or the Senate. They also received the name of their political party and their committee assignment.

Students received a booklet with a detailed calendar of events and proposals students authored and sponsored for the session.

The program began with training at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

“The first session was great preparation and an overview of what to expect the following few days,” eighth grader Blaine Turner said.

The second session that night was the political party committee, where students presented their bill to a group of people for Photo by Dena Kensey/Special to The Bear Facts the first time.

At that session, other students St. Joe eighth grader Tre’Jan Rogers, left, studies a proposal questioned their bill – helping at Junior Youth Assembly. Sitting next to him are Sam Indest, them prepare for the actual legisBlaine Turner and Grant Murphy. Rogers was named an lative sessions the next day. outstanding representative at the three-day conference.

Science Experiment

Special to The Bear Facts Seventh graders Josh Bailey, left, and Andrew Sheldrick dissect a sheep’s eye in Mrs. Katherine Horlock’s seventh grade science class.

Photo by Dena Kensey/Special to The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School took 24 eighth graders to the 37th Annual Junior Youth Assembly Thursday, April 3, through Saturday, April, 5, at the Marriott in downtown Jackson. Front row from left: Katie Joseph, Abbi Grace O’Brien, Emily Hinds, Akili Lewis, Alexandria Smith and Hannah Toombs. Second row: Allie Milner, Carrie Ann Loper, Anne Mabry Walker, Riley Cole, Hannah Kimbrell and Brandi Palmer. Third row: Anna Baladi, who was named an outstanding senator; Olivia Rives; Linda Martinez; and Nina German. Fourth row: Jack LeDoux; Tre’Jan Rogers, who was named an outstanding representative; Grant Murphy; Blaine Turner; Caleb Pellegrine; and Sam Indest. In back: Nicholas Bouldin, who was named an outstanding representative, and Trey Frierson.

Some bills make up the platform of the Junior Youth Assembly governor, an officer elected in the fall by the Youth Legislature.

Two St. Joe bills made it to the governor’s platform; both passed and were “signed into law” by the Youth Legislature governor.

“I was overjoyed to hear that all of my hard work and dedication paid off,” eighth grader Anna Baladi said.

Baladi and fellow eighth grader Jack LeDoux worked together on the bill.

“I was ecstatic when I heard our bill made it on the governor’s platform. I knew I had worked very hard on this bill, and I was relieved to know that my work paid off.”

LeDoux and Baladi plan to attend Youth Legislature this fall and Junior Youth Assembly next spring.

Another bill on the governor’s platform and signed into law was one eighth graders Allie Milner and Nina German sponsored.

Their bill called for children

with special needs having equal opportunity to participate in school sports.

“I have a friend with disabilities, and he was not able to try out or participate in the activity he wanted to,” Milner said.

“He became very sad and almost depressed because he did not feel equal to the other people at his school,” she said, adding she was overjoyed when the governor signed her bill.

Honoring Veterans

Photo by Tanita Mitchell/Special to The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School eighth grade student council leaders visited the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery VA Medical Center Home on Saturday, April 12, 2014, to thank veterans for serving the country. While visiting, the student leaders helped veterans play bingo and served them cake and ice cream. Pictured here from left: Jack LeDoux, St. Joe eighth grade president; Jamarcus Sutton, the eighth grade treasurer; Blaine Turner, the eighth grade vice president; Brandi Palmer an eighth grade student body representative; and Allie Milner, the eighth grade secretary.

Bruin News

PAGE A6

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

St. Joe Astronomy Club reaches for the stars

By HOPE ENGLE The Bear Facts

The previously donated Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is finally being put to use once again by the new Astronomy Club.

Most likely at some point you have wondered what the big silver shiny dome is between the Fine Arts building and softball field. This silver dome actually houses a state-of-the-art telescope. It’s called the Hulett Observatory and was donated and named after Dr. Hulett in 1998.

While the observatory has been sitting vacant for years, Mary Kathryn Wheatly, an 11th grader at St. Joe, came up with the idea to start the Astronomy Club and put the Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope to use. She also started this club because she has always been interested in the stars and planets

ever since she was a little kid.

“My hopes for the Astronomy Club are to further enlighten the students of St. Joe about the beautiful world that God created for us,” Wheatly said.

The club’s first meeting was a Sunday night at 7 p.m. in March.

Around 20 people attended the meeting. The students got to go into the observatory, and Dr. Hulett explained to them how to use the telescope.

Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy and no one had a chance to look at the stars. Nevertheless, Hulett talked about the history of the first astronomer, Galileo.

At the next meeting, around 30 people attended and the sky was clear and crisp. With Dr. Hulett’s help, club members were able to see the Orion Belt – a constellation on the celestial equator. It is one of the most conspicuous and recognizable constellations in the

“

I really enjoyed it and learned a lot by going.”

– Megan Patterson, a member of the astronomy club

night sky. It was named after Orion, a hunter in Greek mythology.

The students also saw Jupiter and three of the Galilean Satellites. The Galilean Satellites are the four biggest moons of Jupiter that Galileo was able to see with his telescope.

The Galilean Satellites’ names are Europa, Io, Callisto and Ganymede – all of which were lovers

of Jupiter. The night was ended

by Dr. Hulett explaining the history and origin of how Zodiac signs are determined.

The Astronomy Club encourages and welcomes any new members that are interested in joining.

“I really enjoyed it and learned a lot by going,” said Megan Patterson.

“I never knew how complex and interesting our universe really is,” she said. “I think anyone and everyone should at least go once. You can learn a lot from Dr. Hulett.”

So far, the Astronomy Club has been a great success due to use of the Hulett Observatory.

If you are interested in attending the next Astronomy Club meeting or have any questions you can talk to Mr. Matt Hosler, Photo by Mia Nichols/The Bear Facts Mr. Mike Juhas, Mrs. Rachel Hill The Hulett Observatory is the main meeting place for the or Mary Kathryn Wheatley. astronomy club.

Seniors paint a vivid display for 2014 art show

By KATELYN HANNEKE The Bear Facts Seniors expressed their creative talents Sunday afternoon March 30.

Mrs. Lou Ann Turner, Pottery and Art III teacher for three years at St. Joseph, had been preparing for the show for months. The students had been working on art for the show since Christmas.

Once all the pieces were finished, it took Mrs. Turner around a week to hang and position all the pieces of art students created.

The Art Show consisted of 150-200 pieces from Art I, II, III, IV and about 75 pieces from the pottery classes.

This means that most of the seniors had anywhere from five to 10 pieces of work in the show.

The art in the show included

water color paintings, oil pastel drawings, multi-media creations, and a wide variation of pottery.

A new thing about this year’s Art Show was that instead of it being Sunday from 7-9 at night, it was Sunday afternoon from 2-4.

This allowed the already huge crowd that came to increase.

More grandparents and siblings attended now that it was at an earlier hour.

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“As for this being the 10th year for the art show,” Mrs. Turner said, “I think it was the best show we’ve ever had.

“It was a representation of the past art shows and how they have led up to this year’s show. Plus, we had a lot of people show up and give great feedback.”

Another new addition to the show this year was that anyone who showed up could give feed

back on Fan Letters to the artist.

They could express what they thought about the pieces and ask questions of artists.

Any of the pieces in the show with a red dot on the tag were for sale. The students got to decide which of their pieces they wanted to sell and which pieces they wanted to keep.

If someone wanted to buy a piece of art, they had to talk

to the artist and discuss a price together. The students were in charge of their own sales.

The Art Show is of huge importance to St. Joseph.

It lets the word out about how far the seniors have come in their fine arts classes and how talented they truly are.

Bruin News

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

PAGE A7

An unexpected St. Joe play grabs local attention from WLBT

By BRIA PAIGE The Bear Facts Although “A Raisin in the Sun” experienced several hurdles, the play debuted on May 2 at 7 p.m. in the St. Joe Fine Arts auditorium.

The cast and crew of around 20 students along with director and tenth grade English teacher, Ms. Veronica Peaglar, worked tirelessly since January to produce the play.

The production of “A Raisin in the Sun” was not in conjunction with the St. Joe theater department. The idea originated from Ms. Peaglar, who began the audition process directly following

“

The play was different than anything St. Joe has done thus far.”

– Charles King, a sophomore winter break. It was originally associated with the Black History Month festivities, but had to be pushed back.

A historical play, “A Raisin in the Sun,” first premiered on Broadway in March 1959. The play was written by Lorraine

Hansberry.

Set in the South Side of Chicago, the play gives a first-hand look into a black family’s experience living in Washington Park subdivision of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Throughout the play, the Younger family experiences many trials and tribulations that test many relationships and situations.

The cast and crew, ranging from Grades 7 to 12, invested countless hours into the play in order to bring it to the St. Joe stage.

The play was unlike anything that has been shown at St. Joe. The production of “A Raisin in the Sun” brought a different per-

spective to everyone in the audience.

“The play was different than anything St. Joe has done thus far – both because of the student involvement and the time and effort it took,” said sophomore Charles King.

There was no charge for the play, but donations were welcome.

The donations went to three separate causes. Concessions were sold and all profits went to Christ the King Catholic Church in West Jackson.

A story featuring St. Joe students in the play was aired on the WLBT evening news.

St. Joe students reveal their interesting plans for summer 2014

By FRANCES HUFF The Bear Facts Toes in the water, sitting in the sand, or sitting at home playing a video game are just three things many people plan to do this summer.

Summer is a time of shorts, tank tops, late nights and lots of sleep. Many people will spend their days sitting by the pool working on their tan, while others may be spending their time trying to catch up on sleep.

Because a relaxing break from the stress of school is great, many families decide to take off and

“

lake in Alabama, and we always have a great time just relaxing This summer and growing closer.”

Many families decide to take I plan to enjoy my a couple of days off and enjoy a time off of school peaceful time to get together and enjoy themselves. and have a great A lot of people enjoy a trip to time tanning.” the beach or travel out of town to see extended family that they often see.

– Tori Cobb, don’t Other people decide that geta freshman ting a summer job is the way they want to spend their summer.

Many upcoming juniors and enjoy a family vacation.

Sophomore Timothy Cook seniors are out searching for said his family “always goes to a jobs. Many people decide to be lifeguards, and others might de-

“

cide they want to work at country clubs or restaurants.

Sophomore Mackenzie Riley My family said, “I have applied to many different places like Sno Biz and always goes to a places I would like to work. Now, lake in Alabama, I’m just waiting to hear back and we always from them.”

Many people will be joining have a great time.”

Riley in the job search, hoping to find the perfect summer job.

– Timothy Cook, While a lot of people decide to be either adventurous in their a sophomore travels or make money and get job experience in the summer; “This summer I plan to enjoy there are always people who just my time off of school and have want to lay out by the pool and a great time tanning and spendenjoy soaking up the sun.

ing late nights hanging out with friends,” said freshman Tori Cobb.

Many people will join Cobb in having a relaxing summer soaking in the sun.

Many are all ready for the end of school, but it seems to some that summer is taking longer and longer to come.

While everyone has different plans for summer, there is one thing they definitely will share: a break from the everyday stresses of school and grades.

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Bruin News

A8

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Benefit concert raises more than $2,000 Money will aid victims of storms that struck Louisville and North Mississippi

By JACK HALL The Bear Facts St. Joseph Catholic School’s Fine Arts Department hosted a benefit concert for Mississippi tornado victims in Louisville and Tupelo.

The concert took place in St. Joseph’s Fine Arts theater on May 9. More than $2,800 was raised to benefit storm victims in The Rev. Lincoln Dall’s parish of St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo and other areas affected by the recent tornado.

Beginning at 7 p.m. with a brief prayer by St. Joseph President Mike Juhas, the concert ran for approximately three hours.

The event was spear-headed by the St. Joseph band, jazz band and choir.

The event was planned by Ronnie Russell, chairman of the Fine Arts Department and director of the Bruin band.

Aside from typical choir and band standards, performers rocked the house with a rendition of “Stairway to Heaven” originally by Led Zeppelin, “Hallelujah” popularized by Jeff Buckley, “Frankenstein” by The Edgar Winter Group, and “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers.

Mr. Russell commended all who participated in the event.

“I’m very pleased that the students had that sense of commitment to such a great cause,” Mr. Russell said.

“They did it because it was the right thing to do. The purpose for being here was God-driven. This purpose transcends the differences of the faiths. We all come together on things like this.”

Mr. Juhas also recognized religious service as a cardinal focal point for students.

“

I am absolutely proud of the students.

They never cease to amaze me with their generosity, their support and their overall excellence at St. Joe.” – Mike Juhas, St. Joseph Catholic School president

“I believe it was heavenly inspired and an opportunity for our students to really make a difference in the community and share God’s love with victims of the recent tornadoes,” Mr. Juhas said.

“I am absolutely proud of the students,” he said. “They never cease to amaze me with their generosity, their support, and their overall excellence at St. Joe.” After sets put on by the St. Joseph choir and jazz band, St. Richard’s youth band, sisters Maggie Smith and Ellie Smith, students Tess Lott and Helen Greene, and The Fabulous Sea Panthers, the tornado-victim benefit concert ended with a final performance by the popular band The Simple Gulls.

Although the event was to aid the victims of a horrendous natural disaster, that did not stop the performers from filling the room with as much artistic energy and zeal as possible in the wake of such a devastating loss.

Photo by Jack Hall/The Bear Facts Members of the Simple Gulls, from left, Blake Reuff, Loden Snell, Gene Loper and Warren Beebe perform at the May 9 benefit concert at St. Joe to help tornado victims in Mississippi.

The soft melodies and acoustic guitar heard with Maggie Smith and Ellie Smith’s cover of “Demons” by Imagine Dragons followed in conjunction with Tess Lott and Helen Greene’s performance of the aforementioned “Hallelujah.” Both songs include themes of redemption and hope for the future, which were the sentiments the event planners intended to convey.

Following a brief intermission, Matthew Hosler, the St. Joe Latin and creative writing teacher, took the stage with his band The Fabulous Sea Panthers.

They turned up the dial, adding an element of rock to the night.

The set featured their songs “The

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Ballad of Trashius” and “Thanksgiving Song.” The band’s chosen name has deep roots originating from a mosaic in the palace of Fishbourne, which was King Cogidubnus’s palace. It is studied by his students in Latin II. Mr.Hosler also agrees on the ethics of a benefit concert.

“Anytime you get a chance to help someone out by rocking out, you say super yes,” he said. “That’s the beauty of a benefit concert.”

Lastly, The Simple Gulls took the stage. The band consists of St. Joe students: senior Loden Snell on lead vocals, senior Blake Rueff on bass guitar, senior Gene Loper on drums, and junior

Warren Beebe on lead guitar.

They opened with a medley of their songs “I Know,” “Release,” and “Truth be Told.” After the rest of the set, they were greeted with applause and a standing ovation.

The crowd demanded an encore. They obliged, continuing to conclude with their latest hit “Some Birds.” Their latest EP, “Moon,” can be found on Reverb Nation.com. As goes with the spirit of service, half of the profits are donated to charity to supply water to those in need.

The benefit concert put on by the groups at St. Joe will provide tornado relief for St. James Catholic Church in Tupelo and also a mission in Louisville.

Images from the concert Top left photo: Matthew Hosler, who teaches Latin at St. Joe, performs with his band.

Top right photo: The St. Richard Catholic Church Youth Band performs.

Bottom left photo: Members of The Simple Gulls before they took the stage.

From left, Blake Reuff, Loden Snell, Warren Beebe and Gene Loper.

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Bruin Sports

State of St. Joe tennis

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his past year, we have had many exemplary successes with our numerous athletic pursuits at St. Joe. Football and soccer respectively From the reached their playoff Press Box opening games.

The boys swim team won its state competition, allowing for a new title to be brought to school in the JACK HALL team’s honor.

Sports Editor Bowling continued on its gradual slope to new heights, winning the district competitions for Boys’ and Girls’ bowling Acquiring these feats is especially notable due to the fact that St. Joe lost its pivotal Athletic Director Flip Godfrey.

Godfrey passed the baton to new Athletic Director Miller Todd.

Approaching May, we had three sports still competing: baseball, track and tennis.

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PAGE B1

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THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

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www.thebearfacts.net

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ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

St. Joe triumphs in spring track

By ELISE SHELDRICK The Bear Facts The track season is over, and the St. Joseph distance and sprints track teams have performed well.

Both teams had been intensely training for the meets including district, regional, South State, and State meets. They also fought harsh weather conditions to prepare for the meet.

The teams trained and practiced after school Monday through Friday after school.

However, each team had very different styles, strategies, and hopes when it came closer to the biggest meets in the track season.

The sprints teams had been practicing on the same schedule as the distance team has, but members had been trying to improve their running with faster times and shorter distances.

The coach of the sprints team, Coach Purvis, commented on

how the sprinters prepared for the first meet.

“We are doing some midranged running so far this season,” Purvis said.

“We aren’t planning to do anything difficult yet until later in the season because we (took) these first meets as practice meets to see where everyone is.”

Along with the sprint teams, the distance team for Saint Joe went to both the Jackson Academy and Madison Central invitational as well. The distance team also posses knowledge of well thought out strategies as well.

The Saint Joe boys overall placed fifth out of eight private schools. Also the girls placed seventh out of nine private schools at the Jackson Academy Invitational on March 19.

At the Madison Central Invitational the distance teams and field teams placed fifth over nine schools on Monday, March 31.

And the sprinters placed fourth

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Members of the St. Joseph Catholic School girls track team. over seven schools on Friday, April 4.

There were so many members that ran in both of these invitationals.

One of the youngest members of the distance track team was Emma Dotson, an eighth grader at St. Joe. Dotson talked about her prep-

arations for the past meets and the district, regional, and states competition ahead.

“The training I have done to prepare for the meets this season involve the sports that I’ve played this year,” Dotson said.

“I ran cross country in the fall, and during the winter I played on the high school soccer team.

I also play on a select team as well.”

Dotson also ran in the first meets that the distance track ran this year. She talked about how she ran and her improvements she will work on.

See TRACK, B2

After a tough regular season, Bruin baseball players fought hard and became ...

DISTRICT CHAMPS!

Ogden notes her keen ability of intertwining strict discipline into her routine, afterschool practice regimen.”

In particular, I’d like to singleout Bruin tennis. Under the leadership of Coach Lynn Ogden, this team has flourished.

Ogden came to St. Joe nine years ago, brought on as a tennis coach under former Athletic Director Bill Raphael.

Since then, she has managed and coached the varsity tennis team while simultaneously teaching health and physical education at St. Joe. Ogden notes her keen ability of intertwining strict discipline into her routine, after-school practice regimen. Having been a former student of Ogden’s, I can attest to her no-nonsense style.

With tryouts in early fall and practice starting mid-winter, the team is continuously primed to be ready for any opponent standing.

There is no fault in her line up, either.

She strategically places her student-athletes with partners who will not only accentuate their own gifts and talents, but will allow for competitive matches against strenuous opponents. As a coach, she prepares them for the pinnacle of competition.

I’ve gathered through my time as sports editor that a team’s success is one part leadership and another part membership.

While a team may have formidable leadership on the court, the team must solely rely on the actual players of the game in a tournament atmosphere.

This is where all of the preparation as per the coach comes into play with her competitors.

The team came through in early May as they placed second in the state tournament.

Katelyn Hanneke has a full list of titles won in her article on Page B2.

The team will surely carry on with much strength and vigor in the following years as the younger members grow in skill and experience.

This small group of young athletes is headed in a great direction under the guidance of Coach Lynn Ogden.

Jack Hall, a sophomore, is Sports Editor for The Bear Facts.

St. Joe Bruin baseball had another successful season this year, winning the District title and heading once again to the playoffs.

Top left photo: Junior Nick Sims readies to take a swing during the Bruin’s April 26 home game against St. Andrew’s.

Top right photo: Senior Charlie LeDoux was honored on Senior Night. LeDoux was the only senior on the team this year.

Bottom left photo: Sophomore Fidel Bello plays catcher during a home game at St. Joe. Bello is also a pitcher and fourth batter for the team.

All photos by Helen Butts/ Special to The Bear Facts

T

Story by Jon Dale Dieckman and Jack Hall

he Bruin baseball team has won the 2A District 6 Championship title for the first time in 33 years.

On Monday, April 21, the Bruins competed for the district title against the Pisgah Dragons of Sandhill, Mississippi.

The Dragons were defeated by the Bruins earlier in the season by a score of 7- 4.

In this second game against the Dragons, St. Joe got off to a slow start by allowing a run to be scored in the top of the first inning. It was all uphill from there.

The team was determined to make this the defining game of the season. This district championship would be the ultimate prize for a team in the process of rebuilding its program.

The batting lineup was primed with the careful foresight of Coach Miller Todd. Bruins pitcher Thomas Benson was throwing at the top of his game. This allowed for the perfect balance of brute, offensive strength and keen defensive strategy.

They continued to pound the Dragons by getting into their pitcher’s mind, eventually ending with a Pisgah pitching change.

After the change, the Bruins constantly racked up hits until the end of the game with the final score being 10- 1.

In conclusion with this championship game, the Bruins went undefeated in their District 6 2A season with a record of 8-0.

See BASEBALL, B2

Dymond Jackson signs scholarship to play basketball at Tougaloo St. Joseph Catholic School senior Dymond Jackson signed a scholarship on Friday, April 25, 2014, to play basketball at Tougaloo College next fall. Jackson was a key player on this year's Lady Bruins basketball team. Pictured are from left Mary King, Dymond Jackson's aunt; Marilynn Jackson, Dymond Jackson's mother; Dymond Jackson; Katina Henderson, Dymond Jackson's aunt; and Tina Foust, St. Joe Lady Bruins basketball coach.

Bruin Sports

PAGE B2

Bruin sports: The year in review

By NOAH GREENE The Bear Facts With the 2013-2014 Bruins sports season over, the school in many ways met expectations and in some ways fell short of expected goals.

As Bruin football began in September, there were many questions about how the team would fair amid losing more than 20 seniors from the previous year.

Would this season be one of rebuilding, or would the Bruins come out and dominate the competition?

The Bruins got off to a rough start, losing their first two games.

And things would surely get worse before they got better for the Bruins.

The team was plagued by injuries.

They had to step up their game if they

planned to make the playoffs.

The Bruins, however, bounced back, making it to the playoffs and finishing off the year as district champions.

Next year, the Bruin football team will see a slight change in the coaching staff with former head Coach Flip Godfrey having resigned.

Miller Todd has stepped up as head coach and is expected to lead the Bruins in a new direction.

Across the net, the Lady Bruins met their expectations reaching well into the playoffs before getting beat by Resurrection High School.

St. Joe’s bowling program improved substantially. The boys and girls teams achieved top honors and placed high in the district tournament.

Head Coach Dennis Dillon looks forward to a successful season in the

next few years to come.

In boys basketball, the team went through a rebuilding year – making it to the semi-final round of the playoffs.

The team ended with a record of 7-15.

The girls team fared better, ending their season on a winning note with an 18-13 record.

The Bruins went about wining tough games such as that against the Canton High School Tigers – a game that many expected the Lady Bruins to lose.

“All odds were against us,” said senior point guard Whitley Pannell.

“Everyone knew we were going to get blown out by 20 to 30 points,” she said.

“But it was neck-and-neck the entire game up until the very end.”

In the pool and around the track, swimmers and runners alike had a successful year with the Bruins track

team once more becoming South State champions.

Swimmers also finished on a very successful note, with the girls winning the 200-yard free relay and the 400yard free relay along with the several individual awards the team won.

On the soccer field, the soccer team competed hard as usual, going to the playoffs.

Lastly, the St. Joe tennis team had a competitive showing at the State championship with freshman Stedman Strickland winning back-to-back sets to become a state champion for the second year in a row.

Tennis team takes second in state championship

By KATELYN HANNEKE The Bear Facts St. Joseph sent a team of 12 students to the Ridgeland Tennis Center for the annual MHSAA Tennis State Championship on May 2.

For overall team, St. Joe finished in second as the runner-up State Champion.

St. Joe had previously taken first place in the tourney for the past five years.

Varsity Tennis is a constant reminder of the long hours and dedication St. Joe students put into athletics.

Also, the team is a reminder of St. Joe’s athletic successes across the board.

The team had only lost two games this season, succumbing to Clinton and St.

TRACK, from page B1

“At the Jackson Academy meet, I felt good but did not think I ran to the best of my ability. At the Madison Central meet, I thought the relay team that we had was very good, even our replacement Maddy Davis did really good.”

Also, both teams had many new members running this year. They all steadily improved this year and contributed to the innumerable successes St. Joe enjoyed this year.

So far, everyone is liking the training and the overall atmosphere of the teams.

Maddy Davis is one of these new members. She is a sophomore at Saint Joe and is enjoying track.

“The overall atmosphere was pretty

Andrew’s.

On individual events, St. Joe had many gifted contenders that advanced to the finals round. A few of the athletes representing St. Joe rose to the occasion and were able to snag a win for themselves, the team and the school.

This year, the team had quite a few tennis players walk away as state champions.

They competed with the most arduous of opponents, the best in the state at that.

A complete list of finishers and champions follows: Freshman Stedman Strickland won the state title in Boys Singles.

Senior Nic Hembree and freshman Holt Stockett won the state title in Boys Doubles.

Sophomores Eliza Strickland and Genin Harkey finished strong as runnerup in Girls Doubles.

Junior Lucy Loveless and senior Matthew Harkey finished as runner-up in Mixed Doubles.

Other high school students that competed are Marion Welsh, Shelby Willoughby, Jack Hoffman, and Jamal Holmes-Griffin. They qualified for the state tournament prior to the date of the actual event.

The St. Joe Varsity Tennis team includes events such as singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. The team includes any of the players for seventh to 12th grades.

The team practices at Ridgeland Tennis Courts and travels all around the

chill, and I got to see so many nice and the meet was really fun,:” Davis said.

“Also, I feel like my team and I did really good. We got second in both our races.”

Even though the amount of training can be difficult and stressful at times, all the coaches and runners are very excited to see the training pay off and to see what the meet has in store for them.

Dotson commented on her excitement and hopes of improvements for the upcoming season next year.

“Even though I feel like I could be in better shape for this race, I am very excited about running my own race and to get to experience it with my team mates.”

The Bruins finished strong this year.

Riley Reeves defended her titles in the 3200-meter race and the 1600-meter race.

After the loss of Ryan Crandall, former state champion distance runner, many were sceptical on how St. Joseph would fare in the next season.

The Bruins have certainly proved their might this year. The season is over and many Bruins are proud.

Some were able to become runners, more veteran track athletes were able to improve their running capabilities, and a few others were even able to snag a the most coveted award of any trackstar: a state title for their particular event.

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state to play the best teams.

The seniors of the 2014 team include: Shelby Willoughby, Jack Hoffman, Nic Hembree, and Matthew Harkey.

“The best part about tennis is really just the people. Tennis is a small sport so you get close to your teammates quickly, and it makes the season overall better,” said sophomore Genin Harkey.

When asked what she thought the hardest things about tennis were, senior Willoughby said: “The hardest thing would definitely be playing teams that don’t have a lot of experience or have a lot of beginners.

“It’s hard to play the way we know we can when they don’t really now how to play. We like a challenge.”

THE BEAR FACTS ONLINE Visit us for news sports, opinion and everything St. Joe

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

BASEBALL, from page B1

Winning the district championship surely helped the Bruins with the rest of the season. This win gave the Bruins a first-round bye in the 2A state playoffs.

The Bruins made it to the second round this year.

This is the farthest the Bruins have ever managed to get in baseball. Todd said he was happy with the results of hard work and progress.

“With such a young team, I was so impressed by how they matured from Game 1 to Game 25 because they had a prize in front of them and they won it,” Todd said.

“

With such a young team, I was so impressed by how they matured from Game 1 to Game 25.”

– Miller Todd, St. Joe athletic director

After the big win against Pisgah, the Bruins were humbled with a 10-1 loss of their own to rival St. Andrews. They bounced back with a four-hour, eightinning win in rain versus the Murrah Mustangs. The final score was 20- 19.

The 2014 season was a success. A winning season, undefeated in district play, district champions, and a respectable playoff bid all contributed to this.

Sophomore designated hitter Jojo Katool summed up the year best.

“We did great this year,” he said.

“The first time we won district in 33 years was a great accomplishment.

“We’ll work harder next year and hopefully go farther. We reached the second round of the playoffs, which is the farthest this team has ever gone.”

The Bruins must now turn to the next season. After the loss of many talented seniors from the previous season, Todd relied on freshman athletes.

As they grow in talent and skill, we should see the team as a whole improve.

Sophomore Fidel Bello reiterated this.

“Our team is very young, ten freshman, five sophomores, four juniors, and a senior. The way we played this season was just great. Just imagine us in a few years when we’re all seniors. We’re going to go far. You all need to watch out.”

Bruin News

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

B3

State trooper discusses tips for safe driving

By BRIANNA CRY The Bear Facts On Monday, April 14, First Class State Trooper Eric Henry, from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, came to St. Joseph Catholic School to speak to the school about safe driving.

Mr. Henry was invited by Mrs. Dana Caskey to educate students on driver safety. He had visited several schools in the area before coming to speak at St. Joe. Henry spoke to the ninththrough 12th-grade students on several topics such as driving choices, consequences of bad driving habits, effects of driving under the influence, road rage, and distracted driving such as texting while driving.

He used a slide show presentation with facts and videos about bad driving and its consequences to get his message across.

In 2012, 600 people lost their lives in automobile accidents.

Sixty-two of the people killed were teenagers. Two hundred fifty-nine of the accidents were alcohol related.

Forty-three of the 62 teenagers killed weren’t wearing seat belts at the time of their accident. Also

“

I would want every student to remember that summer is coming up, and there will be a lot of reckless behavior while driving.”

– Mississippi State Trooper Eric Henry

in 2012, Mississippi Law Enforcement officers made 33,152 arrests for DUIs. Henry taught St. Joe about the do’s and don’ts of driving. He enforced the thought of making the right choices while driving.

Henry said, “The choices you make can affect the course of your life as well as other lives, so be very precise when making a decision when driving and think about the possible outcomes of your decision.”

He reminded students who

were about to go to prom to think about what they do while driving before and after prom.

He also reminded them of the zero tolerance alcohol policy for those under 21.

The idea of no texting and driving, careful driving, and wearing seat belts were constantly reinforced throughout the entire assembly.

Principal Barnes said some closing remarks after assembly covering some personal family accounts of automobile accidents and reminded students that driving is nothing to joke around with because innocent lives could easily be lost by one simple mistake.

When asked what he could tell every high school student if he could, Mr. Henry responded, “I would want every student to remember that summer is coming up, and there will be a lot of reckless behavior while driving.

“All drivers should practice safe driving especially this summer so there won’t be many lives lost for preventable reasons. No drinking and driving, always wear seat belts, and no texting when driving. ”

Photo by Brianna Cry/The Bear Facts Mississippi Highway Patrol officer Eric Henry discusses the aspects of being a safe driver on the road.

Students seek summer jobs in the metro-area

By BENJAMIN PAYNE The Bear Facts Dealing with exploding smoothies and angry customers are just a few things to look forward to while working this summer.

Watch out boys and girls, this year is almost over. And with exams just around the corner, a lot of people will be making summer plans.

Most people will be laying out with friends or spending long nights out having fun. But when it comes down to it, we all need one thing this summer: Money.

With nothing fun being free,

“

away, it’s never too late to go the prowl for a summer posiI was looking on tion. Unfortunately, most jobs for a simple job to high school students can get pay around minimum wage. But it’s get some money still a great way to get experience for summer.” and a little pocket cash.

The most popular and usually the easiest jobs for high school kids to get are jobs like working as life guards or at different small – Jack Cottingham, stores.

This summer, Jack Cottingham a junior was able to get a job working at Smoothie King.

“I was looking for a simple most people will be looking for job to get some money for suma summer job. Even though sum- mer that would be easy and have mer is less than a few weeks pretty flexible hours,” he said.

Pannell and Associates “Building a better tomorrow today”

“

The job has been fairly interesting so far.

I really like “On one occasion,” Cottingham said, “the top on the blender my job. It’s pretty wasn’t on tight enough. And chill and the pay while making a smoothie, the lid popped off and smoothie shot ev- isn’t bad. We even erywhere.” get snacks.”

Another story is one of Dominic Indest, a sophomore at St. Joe. Indest has had no luck since he began his quest for a job.

He has gone to six different places looking for employment, – Christo Hicks, and hasn’t had even one business a sophomore call him back for an interview.

“I’ve really learned that no matter how qualified and out-go- to get even a crummy job,” Inding you are, it’s still impossible est said.

Eva Hill is another student who found a job for the summer.

She will be working as an assistant at a veterinarian.

Another sophomore with a summer occupation is Christo Hicks. He will be a life guard at Briarwood Country Club in Jackson.

“I really like my job,” he said.

“It’s pretty chill and the pay isn’t bad. We even get free snacks.”

Jobs are a great opportunity to get experience in the real world.

Your boss might not always be great, and the pay might not be what you want. But it teaches responsibility and gives a taste at what’s to come after school.

Mailing Address: Heath Hall Strategic Marketing Group, LLC Post Office Box 2223 Madison, Mississippi 39110 Physical Address: 740 Avignon Drive, Suite B Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 Phone: (601) 707-3820 Fax: (601) 510-0053

Entertainment

PAGE B4

What songs are on your iPod?

‘Divergent’ worth seeing

By KATHERINE MANGLALARDI The Bear Facts

Everyone has their own favorite music.

Take a look at a few of the favorites on a St. Joe student’s iPod.

By JOHN LEE The Bear Facts One choice can transform you…

One choice decides your friends, your enemies and your future. Once you make that choice, there’s no turning back.

I’d never read “Divergent,” so I had no idea what the plot was. I just started reading the book now, but it’s hard to read it at school because you don’t have much time before class starts.

I took a trip to Malco Theaters on April 12 and saw “Divergent,” and honestly, it wasn’t what I expected.

“Divergent” is set in the future, apparently after a huge war, and one of the only places that is safe is Chicago. The city has also been damaged from the war, but not enough to prevent civilization.

Their population is divided into five groups: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).

Beatrice Prior (the protagonist) is finally old enough to decide on one of these groups. When she finally chooses, she cannot change her mind or even go back to her family.

Before anyone can choose a group, they must undergo a strange test. The test’s results decide what group you will join. You can either follow what the test says or listen to what your heart says and choose what group you think you belong in at the Choosing Ceremony.

For Beatrice, something different happens when she takes the test: her results are inconclusive, which means she is a rare Divergent.

According to society, Divergents are a threat. Beatrice is told not to tell anyone about her test, and to choose what group her heart tells her to be in.

Beatrice had always thought that the Dauntless were cool and mysterious.

At the Choosing Ceremony, she picks Dauntless, which marks the beginning of her journey.

I don’t want to give anything else away, so go see the movie and read the book, too. (It’s actually a series.) If you like action and romance, then “Divergent” is the movie for you.

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Mary Greene 7th grade Demons

by Imagine Dragons

Carrie Ann Loper 8th grade 2’s My Favorite

by Coheed and Cambria

Andrew Morgan 11th grade Burn Bright

by My Chemical Romance

Maddie Davis 10th grade Pretty Hurts

by Beyonce

Swayze McDearman 12th grade Flashback

by Calvin Harris

St. Joe’s 2014 spring musical spectacular

By BRIANNA CRY The Bear Fact

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing a wonderful St. Joseph Catholic School spring production of the musical “Guys and Dolls.”

This musical portrays the city of New York during the 1940s and 1950s in a vivid and entertaining way. In this play we meet lovable guys and their beautiful dolls.

Nathan Detroit runs the oldest established permanent floating craps game in New York. He is desperately seeking a place to play while striving to keep his fiancé of 14 years from becoming his wife.

The musical includes gangsters, the famous Hot Box Girls, and a love story between a gambler and a Christian mission worker.

The four main characters are Nathan Detroit, played by Brantley Bariola; Sky Masterson, played by Bailey Brilley; Sarah Brown, played by Maggie Smith; and Miss Adelaid, played by Megan Patterson. All were amazing and very talented.

“Guys and Dolls” was directed by Neill Kelly of New Stage Theater due to the pregnancy of the theater teacher

Mrs. Kenyon. The assistant director was St. Joseph junior DeZell Lathon.

The transitions from scene to scene were smooth and the background settings were creative and well put together

by St. Joseph cast members.

The musical numbers were remarkable thanks to the vocal director/choir teacher Mrs. Molly Windham. The band was also amazing led by the orchestra director Mr. Ronnie Russel. The play included some of the best music you’ll ever hear such as “Guys and Dolls” and “Luck Be a Lady.”

The Hot Box Girls never missed a step in the production due to the choreography taught by Byron Joseph. Their costumes and high kicks also made the scene something to remember.

In addition, the costume designs of all of the characters enhanced the show in a big way.

The costumes were unique to each group of characters – gangsters, Hot Box Girls, craps shooters, and street walkers. Everything complemented each other from the lights to the extras and background settings.

“It has been an absolute joy for me to have the opportunity to work on a show with so much importance in my life,” Kelly said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with.

Reddix Medical Group Supports St. Joseph Catholic School

SUBMITTED PHOTO Junior Andrew Morgan performs with the cast of “Guys and Dolls.”

These students have worked extremely hard, and I am so grateful and proud of the work they have done on this show.”

Kelly, a graduate of the University of Mississippi, put together an amazing show with smooth scene changes, a clear focus, and stability that is both impressive and unmatched.

No actor was out of place and even the extras were always precise with ev-

erything they did.

The musical had an abundance of humor and gambling but also rich with an appreciation of love.

The sharp cast and interesting scenes made this spring musical excellent. The play wasn’t only quirky and entertaining but it also taught a lesson of the importance of love and romance.

Luckett Land Title Supports St. Joseph Catholic School

Entertainment

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Music can help teachers grade papers faster

M

usic.

It can dictate our

emotions and influence our mood.

Some use music’s powers when working out, while others treat it like a JACK OLSTAD Features Editor metronome, helping them fall asleep.

Whatever the reason, music helps lots of people accomplish tasks in their everyday lives.

Even though it’s filled with excitement, homework isn’t done in silence by many members of the student body. Righteous riffs from David Gilmour can numb rigorous hours of writing a research paper about fungus and its characteristics. This secret ingredient comes in multiple

flavors to fit any situation. Mozart for crafting an English essay or upbeat Sublime for knocking out algebra problems. But it’s not only students who use music’s inspiration to get stuff done; some of the St. Joe staff is among the admirers. “Peaceful music helps me keep entertained and grade more effectively,� Mr. Brad Biard said. “Sitting there without some sort of ambiance is boring; it relaxes me.�

The sounds of Passenger, Damien Rice, and the Civil Wars play in the background to soothe the young soccer coach while he’s busy at work.

Go two doors down the hall and you’ll hear just the opposite: melody with revved up tempo plays along aside English teacher Mrs. Rachel Hill while she finds comma splices and dangling modifiers. “If I listen to faster music, I focus

“

After all, these teachers are the people who have been deemed worthy to I’m not a very put a grade on students’ work. They degood multi-tasker. No cide wherever students get an A or a B, music helps me get into pass or fail. What happens when they’re a bad mood? They find a dent on the right mindset I need in their car and students’ grades become to grade.� victims from the onslaught. Grade rage is just as serious as road rage, and other have found their own cure to – Tyler O’Hara, teachers this major epidemic. an English teacher at “What really gets me pumped while St. Joe grading stuff are songs that my band works,� said St. Joe’s Latin professor Matt Hosler. Without some sort of musical accompaniment like his band’s more when I’m grading,� Mrs. Hill said. “Without music, I take a lot longer rendition of “Supersonic� by Oasis, Hosler is missing that spark of motivation to get through a stack of essays.� to get on his work grind. “Songs that These teachers hit play, sit back, get me pumped make me get pumped to and get in the zone, grading work like nobody’s business. Whether it’s tranquil grade, too.�

Besides music, Hosler also listens to or loud, music gives them the perfect podcasts and even turns on his TV to state of mind.

PAGE B5

have “Star Wars: The Clone Wars� as backdrop to his grading environment at home.

If it’s not music, a few teachers have found other modes of inspiration while critiquing students’ work. Mr. Tyler O’Hara can’t have music while he’s grading: never have and not going to try anytime soon. “I’m not a very good multi-tasker,�

O’Hara admitted. “ No music helps me get into a right mindset I need to grade.�

If anything has to be in the background, O’Hara finds an episode from one of his favorite shows “Seinfeld.� “When an episode of Seinfeld is on, I know it’s funny, so it won’t distract me.�

So before you hand in your next lab report, make sure your teacher isn’t under the influence of a bad mood or bad music.

How today’s teens make pop-culture figures popular

W

ithin the past five years, the use of social media has skyrocketed. One of the most popular social media sites known today is Twitter.

Twitter: a social media site where one sums up their thoughts in 140 characters or less. So what makes this social media site so popular? The answer: it is a way to interact with celebrities.

Everyone has a particular celebrity that they favor, but now there is a social media site in which they can keep up to date on their “interesting lives.� It has been proven that our generation idolizes celebrities much more than they were 10 or 20 years ago.

Many people like Twitter because they can even interact with their favorite celebrities. If someone tweets a celebrity, every so often that celebrity replies or follows back. Viner Brandon Castillo has made fun of this in one of his latest Vines. He acts like a teenage girl as he sits in front of his computer screaming, “Marry me Harry Styles! If you don’t, I’ll die!� Now, I do admit that I did have an extreme obses-

sion (which has thus far died down) two years ago with everyone’s favorite British boyband: One Direction.

KATHERINE There would MANGIALARDI be days when I, along with many other fans, would retweet them or tweet them to follow me a million times a day. Looking back on it, I realize that I wasted days of my life tweeting these celebrities that would probably go on with their lives, never knowing who I was. Now, it seems ridiculous to me. I could have done something more productive with my life. I also realized that I was more interested in celebrities’ lives than my own, and that is because of Twitter. I believe that Twitter should be a site where you only keep up with your friends. When I say friends, I mean real life actual friends, not someone whose picture is hanging on your bedroom wall with hearts drawn around it.

I have now realized that we

put celebrities on an unnecessary pedestal, and we are likely to listen to them more than government officials, or even our own family. A celebrity makes a comment about troops in Iraq, and then all of a sudden people are saying, “Oh my gosh! Did you hear what Alec Baldwin said?

He’s anti-war. That means that we should be too!�

Whatever Alec Baldwin thinks about military troops is Alec Baldwin’s opinion. He is an actor, not a political official. Plus, everyone should think for themselves and not have anyone, let alone a celebrity, influence the way that they think.

Plus, going back, I have realized that some of the tweets that I have read from celebrities sound extremely ridiculous and unintelligent. Yes, I can still be a fan of someone for their music, movies, etc, but I believe we shouldn’t worship a celebrity. Social media has really played a big part in this.

We worship celebrities so much, that entertainers make fun of it. There have been sketches on shows such as “Saturday Night Live� showing how people

are obsessed with celebrities (an example being Paul Rudd’s One Direction sketch).

Youtuber Shane Dawson has made a video titled “Celebrity Tweets.� It is a parody of Rihanna’s song “Stay.�

In this video, he sings about ridiculous tweets, Instagrams, and Vines that different celebrities have posted. It makes me question how celebrities have such a

strong pull in our world today.

So, what do you think? Does our generation worship celebrities through sites like Twitter?

Here are some ridiculous celebrity tweets: Jessica Biel: “I work out everyday – Monday to Saturday.�

Paris Hilton: “No, no I didn’t go to England; I went to London.�

Kim Kardashian: “I’m on the airplane... love wifi! I am sitting next to an Air Marshall! Jim the air marshall makes me feel safe!�

Charlie Sheen: “Why my bday’s better than yours; 1 I have 10 mil epic followers. 2 I’m me.

3 i can wear combat pj’s to work�

Snoop Dogg: “Flip flops n socks N a bucket full of tater tots�

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PAGE B6

Bruin Supporters

JACKSON MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN JACKSON (601) 969-5100

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Bruin News

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Nixon, Logue to lead Spirit Steppers from staff reports St. Joe juniors Jean-Nicolette Nixon and Mary Claire Logue will lead the 2014 edition of the Spirit Steppers as captains of the popular dance team.

Dancers attended a clinic held at the school to learn three routines taught by the out-going captains.

Judges were non-St. Joe affiliated professionals from all across the state.

The girls with the highest scores and highest kicks were selected for the team.

St. Joe revived the Spirit Steppers dance team in fall 2012. St. Joe teachers Natalie Case, an eighth grade English teacher, and Cathy Thomas, a high school geography teacher, took over as sponsors last year.

Spirit Steppers perform at home football games, pep rallies, and other events during the year.

“

I was so excited when I found out I made the Spirit Steppers team. And I’m looking forward to growing together with my teammates.”

– Lucy Hamil, a freshman

Anna Claire Chastain and Mary Jo Thomas served as captains of the dance squad last year; they both will graduate this year. Other seniors who will leave the team include Mary Zuniga and Shelby Willoughby.

PAGE B7

Nineteen people tried out for the dance team, but only 16 made the team.

Of the 16, six are returnees from the current squad and 10 are new members, Returning members include Nixon, Logue, sophomore Frances Huff, sophomore Eliza Strickland, freshman Jackye Gregory and freshman Tori Cobb.

Right after warm ups on the final day, tryouts were held in the gym.

New members of the team include junior London Hatten, freshman Olivia Sims, sophomore Hope Engle, sophomore Alannah Frierson, sophomore Emile Ursin, sophomore Marion Welsh, eighth-grader Helen Mary Katool, eighth-grader Hannah Toombs, junior Whitney Willoughby, and freshman Lucy Hamil.

“I was so excited when I found out I made the Spirit Steppers team,” Hamil Photo by Cathy Thomas/Special to The Bear Facts said. “And I’m looking forward to growJean-Nicolette Nixon and Mary Claire Logue will serve as captains of the 2014 ing together with my teammates.” edition of the Spirit Steppers dance team.

Senior Retreat

Photo by Mary Banks/Special to The Bear Facts Members of the St. Joe Class of 2014 gather for a group picture after lunch during the class retreat March 26 at Camp Braton-Green in Canton. Standing in front are Trey Wright, left, Bailey Hamil, Anna Kathryn Moorehead, Casey Hall, Joseph Edge, Halle Anderson and April Fulgham. Standing in back are Mary Zuniga, left, and Mary Jo Thomas.

JACKSON MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN JACKSON (601) 969-5100

Bruin News

PAGE B8

THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014

Dance Marathon dances away with $6,000

By ELISE SHELDRICK The Bear Facts

The fourth year of Dance Marathon was phenomenal in raising money for Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital.

Dance Marathon has been an annual fundraiser to help the only children’s hospital in Mississippi. Participants stand on their feet for eight hours, from 4 p.m. until midnight. However, this year they did not just stand around, but they had a chance to do many other activities as well.

With around 50 participants this year, a group of people needed to plan what exactly they would be doing over the course of the school year. This particular group is known as the Dance Marathon committee.

This year the committee was made up of Katherine Mangialardi, Maggie Smith, Ryan Delmas, Jack Collins, Brantley Bariola, Elise Sheldrick, Jay Newman, Dezell Lathon, Halle Anderson, Meredith King and Carruth Smith All year, the committee has been putting together all of the fun activities, food and the overall Dance Marathon.

Mangialardi was the head of Dance Marathon this year. She was head of coordinating the event and helped to give a true face to those in need.

The overall theme for this year’s Dance Marathon was “Fantastic Four” because it was the fourth year of the event. All the different participants were divided into teams and were to dress in certain colors of different superheroes.

“

I really loved the Zumba and hearing all the stories of the kids during miracle hour.”

– Anna Edge, a senior

“Everyone loved this theme,” Mangialardi said, “especially that they got to dress up as their favorite superheroes.”

To keep the participants busy, the committee planned different activities to do throughout the night. Some of these included Zumba, video games, a performance by The Simple Gulls and getting a chance to talk to some of the children that have been at Blair E. Batson.

Andrew Sheldrick is a seventh grader who participated in Dance Marathon this year. This is his first time ever participating in it. He commented on some of his favorite activities that went on during the eight hours he was on his feet.

“I really liked the rave and the free time that we had throughout the night,” Sheldrick said. “The rave was fun because we could pick our own songs, use glow sticks and dance. The freetime was good, too, because I got a chance to talk to the kids.”

Along with the new seventh grade participants, there were a handful of seniors participating in their last Dance Marathon at St. Joe. One of these seniors

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts Dance Marathon team pictured with children from hospital and the amount of money raised.

was Anna Edge and she comments on her experience with Dance Marathon, and hopes for fundraisers like Dance Marathon in the future.

“I really loved the Zumba and hearing all the stories of the kids during miracle hour,” Edge said. She will also be attending Mississippi State next year and

she's interested in organizing a 5k for a fundraiser at her college next year.

Not only were there just students participating in the Dance Marathon, but some St. Joe staff members came as well. These included Mrs. Banks, Mr. Russell, Mr. Hosler and Brother John.

This year’s Dance Marathon raised

$6,248, which will help Blair E. Batson with anything needed in years to come.

St. Joe will have Dance Marathon again next year with a new director, Dezell Lathon.

So come help Blair E. Batson and the children in the hospital, and participate in Dance Marathon.

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts Caroline Doherty, Elllie Smith, Natalie Ford and Kamryn Brown play volleyball in the gym.

Dance Marathon’s Captain America team.

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts The Simple Gulls members: Gene Loper, Warren Beebe, Loden Snell, Blake Rueff perform for the kids.

Alex Jwainat, Brian Flaherty and friends dance the night away for the kids.

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts The Dance Marathon team leaders pictured with the kids.

Katherine Mangialardi and Linda Martinez smiling for the kids.

Photo by Elise Sheldrick/The Bear Facts